PCP Virgin... Getting Ready

[AirScopes]

OK... I have loved my springers exclusively for these past years, even swearing that I'd never go to the dark side. But recently I became a dealer for Cometa, and as they are coming out with the Lynx, I am certain I will cross that line. However, and even though I have been shooting since I was a little kid, is there something I should experience first? I mean, a youngster seeking that type of physical expression, experiences more than just the best of springers before jumping like a lush in a bourbon barrel to the finest PCP. Do I need to get my feet wet? Or do I need to just dive in?

Richard

[only1harry]

I "dove in" and bought a Condor .22 as my 1st PCP but the Mrod was not out then.  Only the Disco had just come out.  There 's nothing to them.  I knew what I wanted and what I wanted it for (my avatar may give you a clue, hehehe). 

I always say do it right the 1st time.  This is why we have this great forum that you can benefit from.  Do your research, ask questions, know what you want to get (price-wise, power, etc.) and get the gun/PCP you want, or always wanted. 

Who am I (are we) to tell you get your feet wet and get a $200 Disco for your 1st PCP, or buy a $1K-1,500 European one? 

I would love to own them all or many of them, but realistically I can't, so if I can own 1 or 2, which ones would I want and for what purpose?  So basically my suggestion is that you need to look at what you need a PCP for - hunting, pesting (what range?), target shooting, indoor or outdoor, or all of the above.  Also evaluate the risks of owning a 40, 50 or 70fpe PCP for backyard shooting (neighbors, the risks, do you have the property? etc.) or its uses, and see if it makes sense to get a powerful one, or get an entry level one like a Disco, or something in the middle like a Maurader .22.  You may want to go predator hunting where the range will be much greater, so a big-bore PCP would be the best choice for you or a powerful .25.  There are many factors that will affect your decision.  Only you know them.

[daveshoot]

It sounded like the Lynx was a little more than a Marauder, but with switch barrel capability, regulated valve (?), and multi-sized bottles. It is still supposed to be way less than most Euro guns. I think I would just get it and call it first love, if it is going be SOON.

I held out when the Disco was announced, because I didn't want to like PCPs, and get tanks and stuff, and still have to put up with the noise. When the Marauder was announced with higher power and the shroud I just couldn't take it anymore, so that was my first.

You could always get a Disco or used Marauder just to fill in the wait, and ditch it after the Lynx arrives.

[jonnnyboy]

Great advice already!  I always opt to ask exactly what are you going to do with it.  In my opinion (and it's often wrong!) there is no one perfect gun for everything.  SO, buy one and then buy another and then buy another!!!

My first pcp was actually a QB79 with a 3000psi bottle.  That one setup taught me to handle the fill strategy carefully and to finally get comfortable with high pressure air.  My next was the Disco which was followed by the Marauder.  In between were a couple more QB's and a converted 2250xt which also uses the 3000psi bottle.  Of course, of late I have been looking longingly at an AirArms 410 and the FX Royale which are both much more higher priced guns. 

It really depends on how much you got and what you want to do with it.  One reminder as Dave mentioned is that you can often sell a used lesser priced gun for almost what you paid for it if you are careful about the price you initially pay for it.  That makes a great upgrade path for many guys.

Either way, please let us know what your strategy will be once you decide.  We might not be able to buy one right now but it is fun to live vicariously through your purchases and experiences.  I'm looking forward to hearing what you do.

Good luck,
joe

[longislandhunter]

The others have already given you great advice so need for me to cover the same ground twice.  Just dive in and get what you want, you'll be fine 

Jeff

[cactusrat]

It don't matter. The Dark Side is strong. You will end up getting them all.

Have a cookie!

[AirScopes]

See PCPers know the ropes, so you ignore the not-so-obvious. I have the option of a 220 or 400 cc bottle... advantages? I have the option of a multishot magazine (or perhaps I need several)... Then what do I really want for filling to make it enjoyable rather than a chore?

my favorite guns... I love my Cometa Fusion Star, which is probably the only reason I entertain the Lynx. I have some 20 springers right now, shoot most at short distance, use some for pleasure, and some for testing scopes. I have powerhouses (WFH and TF Jet) and 10 meter target guns (TF BS4 and Daisy 953). I have underlevers (HW97k, B40, hatsan Mod 100), sidelevers (RWS 54, TF 21, TF BS4), breakbarrels, synth stocks, walnut stocks, thumbholes, checkered, plain, tuned, untuned, expensive and cheap.

The Lynx seems to me to be at least a mid-upper grade PCP, along the lines of BSA, Evanix, Air Arms, Falcon. I have seen these things... but it is like a beer drinker looking at wine bottles -- or vice versa.

I know about how much I spent on springers and learning all I know, and it is OBSCENE. Just wondering what the experienced might do if they had PCPs to do all over again the FIRST time.

[Schmidty]

dive in to the dark side. lol I just took my first step and bought a .22 marauder.. waiting on the delivery now

[daveshoot]

In all honesty, I would buy Marauder #39 (.22 rifle) all over again. Never regretted for a minute.

And, with the choices available now and the dilemma you're facing, I'll throw in another wrinkle: the Benjamin Marauder Pistol.

Think about it... a killer pistol carbine in the 660 fps range (.22, mind you) that would be easy to pump, and light to fill. You can carry it with one finger. After you get your big bad Lynx you will have a lightweight pistola  alternative to "fill out" your collection. You can get 'em all over for like three and a half bills now and I am telling you, this is a sweet little gun, whether you call it a big pistol or a mini-carbine. The trig will spoil you and the scope possibilities are tantalizing.

The scariest part of PCP for me was the first dance with the tank. Darn, gauge on the tank, gauge on the gun, relief valve, fitting... it was way easier than I thought but it's like your very first left turn in traffic. I got the Joe Brancato setup and it is still the only thing(s) I ever needed- much easier than we all make it sound.

[newguyontheblock (Nathan)]

if you dont feel like pumping, (which im told isnt too bad with leverage) you can go to a dive shop or even online and get a used tank for around 140 (depending on what they have in stock) then a filler is about 65 bucks and then refills are about 6 bucks.  thats comparable to a hand pump but much easier. 

i got a disco as both my first airgun and first PCP, i have added a TKO muzzle brake for the quietness (m-rod is already shrouded) then i bought 2 magazines plus mount from qbmags (m-rod already has mags)  but the disco is still a 1 shot tray, the mags mount above it.  then a 3-9X32 scope on high set rings and im ready for paper punching, gotta wait till the summer to be able to get out and hunt though

im sure whatever PCP you get, you will love it, and yes, the disco is a great entry level gun

[Jaymo]

I love my 22 Marauder. I love my B50 and 909. Get what you want and shoot it.

[be4meliz]

I have a Marauder,disco, and disco carbine- if you go with anything more than a disco, I would suggest 4500 psi tank; I got two used on e-bay for $119 each- THEN THE HOSE SETUP FROM JOE B.Make sure you can get 4500 fills first.I got the pump with my disco- but leave it in reserve now- so the $ would have been better spent on tank. Am looking forward to the Lynx, as it combines the best of all types- at this point, mainly looking for 50+ yd accuracy

[cactusrat]

dive in to the dark side. lol I just took my first step and bought a .22 marauder.. waiting on the delivery now

Cookies at Schmidty!

Yes Schmidty that's the way. One deep breath and jump. No need to close your eyes, it's already dark.

I'm waiting too on a past due AA S500 in .177 due to the ice storm. Good luck.